No animal markets this year ahead of Eid al-Adha in Western Thrace
Rıdvan Hacı Mehmet, Deputy Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace responsible for Agriculture and Livestock, confirmed in a statement to Millet newspaper that animal markets in the Xanthi (İskeçe), Rhodope (Rodop), and Evros (Meriç) regions will remain closed.
“This year’s Eid al-Adha will be different,” said Hacı Mehmet.
“Due to recent cases of animal diseases in the region, we have had to take additional precautions to protect both producers and the public. As a result, we decided it would be unsafe to set up animal markets.”
How Will Livestock Sales Take Place?
Instead of physical markets, the sale of sacrificial animals will take place through online platforms, by telephone, or directly at producers’ farms. Authorities are urging both sellers and buyers to strictly follow hygiene and safety guidelines during transactions and farm visits.
Recommended measures include:
- Providing disposable boot covers at farm entrances,
- Disinfecting all transport vehicles,
- Avoiding the transportation of animals from different herds in the same vehicle.
New Transport Regulations for Livestock
The Deputy Governor also outlined updated transport protocols:
- For small livestock: Animals from the same herd may be transported together, but mixing different herds in the same vehicle is strictly prohibited.
- For cattle: A valid transportation document must be issued prior to slaughter. After slaughter, animal IDs must be reported to local veterinary offices to be removed from the system.
Proper Waste Disposal After Slaughter
Hacı Mehmet emphasized the importance of proper disposal of slaughter waste, such as offal and internal organs. These must be buried in designated areas within village centers and covered with lime to prevent environmental contamination and health risks.
"A Safe and Healthy Holiday for All"
Concluding his statement, Rıdvan Hacı Mehmet called on the public to cooperate:
“These measures are aimed at ensuring the health of both animals and people. We ask all citizens and producers to follow the rules closely. If we act responsibly, we can all enjoy a safe and peaceful Eid. I extend my warm wishes for a blessed and healthy Eid al-Adha to the entire Muslim community and our compatriots.”
